US8248192B2 - Pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism for a ground fault circuit interrupter - Google Patents

Pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism for a ground fault circuit interrupter Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US8248192B2
US8248192B2 US12/685,132 US68513210A US8248192B2 US 8248192 B2 US8248192 B2 US 8248192B2 US 68513210 A US68513210 A US 68513210A US 8248192 B2 US8248192 B2 US 8248192B2
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
trip
terminal
reset
plunger
electrically coupled
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active, expires
Application number
US12/685,132
Other versions
US20110169593A1 (en
Inventor
Juhai Hu
Yulin Zhang
Bin Liu
Jianning Jiang
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
General Protecht Group Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by General Protecht Group Inc filed Critical General Protecht Group Inc
Priority to US12/685,132 priority Critical patent/US8248192B2/en
Assigned to GENERAL PROTECHT GROUP, INC. reassignment GENERAL PROTECHT GROUP, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: HU, JUHAI, JIANG, JIANNING, LIU, BIN, ZHANG, YULIN
Publication of US20110169593A1 publication Critical patent/US20110169593A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US8248192B2 publication Critical patent/US8248192B2/en
Assigned to CHEN, HENG reassignment CHEN, HENG ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: GENERAL PROTECHT GROUP, INC.
Active legal-status Critical Current
Adjusted expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
    • H01H71/10—Operating or release mechanisms
    • H01H71/12—Automatic release mechanisms with or without manual release
    • H01H71/24—Electromagnetic mechanisms
    • H01H71/32—Electromagnetic mechanisms having permanently magnetised part
    • H01H71/321—Electromagnetic mechanisms having permanently magnetised part characterised by the magnetic circuit or active magnetic elements
    • H01H71/322—Electromagnetic mechanisms having permanently magnetised part characterised by the magnetic circuit or active magnetic elements with plunger type armature
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
    • H01H71/10—Operating or release mechanisms
    • H01H71/12—Automatic release mechanisms with or without manual release
    • H01H71/123—Automatic release mechanisms with or without manual release using a solid-state trip unit
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H83/00—Protective switches, e.g. circuit-breaking switches, or protective relays operated by abnormal electrical conditions otherwise than solely by excess current
    • H01H83/02—Protective switches, e.g. circuit-breaking switches, or protective relays operated by abnormal electrical conditions otherwise than solely by excess current operated by earth fault currents

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to a ground fault circuit interrupter (hereinafter after GFCI). More particularly, the present invention relates to a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism for the ground fault circuit interrupter.
  • GFCI ground fault circuit interrupter
  • GFCI ground fault circuit interrupters
  • the present invention relates to a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism for a ground fault circuit interrupter.
  • the pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism has: (i) a body having a top surface, an opposite, bottom surface, a cylindrical opening at the center, (ii) a ferrite core having a concave top surface, and convex bottom surface, (iii) a plunger having a corresponding convex shape matching the concave top surface of the ferrite core, (iv) a ferrite surrounding magnetically coupled with the ferrite core and the plunger to form a complete magnetic field loop, (v) a permanent magnet positioned under the top surface of the body, around and outside of the cylindrical opening of the body, (vi) a trip/reset coil positioned at the bottom portion of the body and around the cylindrical opening of the body, (vii) a reset spring positioned between a plunger block and the top surface of the body to keep the plunger in its reset position, (viii)
  • the ferrite core is positioned inside of the cylindrical opening at the bottom of the body.
  • the plunger is positioned above the ferrite core in the cylindrical opening of the body. The plunger can be moved to two positions in reaction to magnetic field surrounding the plunger: (1) a first position (trip position) where the plunger is in close contact with the ferrite core, and (2) a second position (reset position) where the plunger is away from the ferrite core.
  • the magnetic field generated by the trip/reset coil drives the plunger to the first position
  • the magnetic field generated by the trip/reset coil drives the plunger to the second position
  • the first movable contact holder is attached to the body of the plunger such that when the plunger is in its first position (trip position), the first movable contact point is not in contact with the first fixed contact point, and when the plunger is in its second position (reset position), the first movable contact point is in contact with the first fixed contact point.
  • the pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism also has: (i) a second fixed contact holder having a second fixed contact point; and (ii) a second movable contact holder having a second movable contact point.
  • the second movable contact holder is also attached to the body of the plunger such that when the plunger is in its first position (trip position), the second movable contact point is not in contact with the second fixed contact point, and when the plunger is in its second position (reset position), the second movable contact point is in contact with the second fixed contact point.
  • the first polarity of the series pulses is positive, and the second polarity of the series pulses is negative.
  • the present invention relates to a ground fault circuit interrupter with the pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism.
  • the present invention relates to an electronic circuit for a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism of a ground fault circuit interrupter.
  • the electronic circuit for a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism has:
  • a trip/reset coil having a first terminal and a second terminal
  • a silicon controlled rectifier having an anode, a cathode and a gate.
  • the anode of the first diode is electrically coupled to the first input of the alternate current.
  • the cathode of the first diode is electrically coupled to the first terminal of the reset switch and the first terminal of the resistor.
  • the first terminal of the trip/reset coil is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the reset switch and the anode of the silicon controlled rectifier, and the second terminal of the trip/reset coil is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the resistor and the positive terminal of the capacitor.
  • the positive terminal of the capacitor is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the resistor and the second terminal of the trip/reset coil, and the negative terminal of the capacitor is electrically coupled to the second input of the alternate current.
  • the anode of the silicon controlled rectifier is electrically coupled to the first terminal of the trip/reset coil and the second terminal of the reset switch, the cathode of the silicon controlled rectifier is electrically coupled to the second input of the alternate current and the negative terminal of the capacitor, and the gate of the silicon controlled rectifier is electrically coupled to a control signal from a ground fault detection circuit.
  • the ground fault detection circuit provides a positive control signal if a ground fault is detected
  • the silicon controlled rectifier becomes conductive and a series of pulses in a first polarity pass through the first input of the alternate current, the diode, the resistor, from the second terminal to the first terminal of the trip/reset coil, the silicon controlled rectifier and the second input of the alternate current to cause the trip/reset coil to be in trip position.
  • a series pulses in a second (opposite to the first) polarity pass through the trip/reset coil in an opposite direction, from the first terminal to the second terminal of the trip/reset coil, to cause the trip/reset coil to be in reset position.
  • the present invention relates to a ground fault circuit interrupter with the electronic circuit for a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism.
  • the present invention relates to an electronic circuit for a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism of a ground fault circuit interrupter.
  • the electronic circuit for a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism has:
  • a silicon controlled rectifier having an anode, a cathode and a gate.
  • the anode of the first diode is electrically coupled to the second input of the alternate current
  • the cathode of the first diode is electrically coupled to the first terminal of the reset switch.
  • the first terminal of the reset switch is electrically coupled to the cathode of the first diode
  • the second terminal of the reset switch is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the trip/reset coil and the anode of the second diode.
  • the first terminal of the trip/reset coil is electrically coupled to the first input of the alternate current
  • the second terminal of the trip/reset coil is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the reset switch and the anode of the second diode.
  • the anode of the second diode is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the reset switch and the second terminal of the trip/reset coil
  • the cathode of the second diode is electrically coupled to the anode of the silicon controlled rectifier.
  • the anode of the silicon controlled rectifier is electrically coupled to the cathode of the second diode
  • the cathode of the silicon controlled rectifier is electrically coupled to the second input of the alternate current and the anode of the first diode
  • the gate of the silicon controlled rectifier is electrically coupled to a control signal from a ground fault detection circuit.
  • the ground fault detection circuit provides a positive control signal if a ground fault is detected
  • the silicon controlled rectifier becomes conductive and a series of pulses in a first polarity pass through the first input of the alternate current, from the first terminal to the second terminal of the trip/reset coil, the second diode, the silicon controlled rectifier and the second input of the alternate current to cause the trip/reset coil to be in trip position.
  • a series pulses in a second (opposite to the first) polarity pass through the trip/reset coil in an opposite direction, from the second terminal to the first terminal of the trip/reset coil, to cause the trip/reset coil to be in reset position.
  • the present invention relates to a ground fault circuit interrupter with the electronic circuit for a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism.
  • FIG. 1 shows an exemplary sectional view of a GFCI with a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism showing a movable contact point is contacting a corresponding fixed contact point according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 shows a partial exploded view of more detailed key components of a GFCI with a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism while the movable contact point is not contacting the fixed contact point according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is an exemplary circuit diagram of a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 4 is another exemplary circuit diagram of a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 illustrate cross-sectional views of exemplary pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism showing a movable contact point is not contacting a corresponding fixed contact point according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 6 illustrate cross-sectional views of exemplary pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism showing a movable contact point is contacting a fixed contact point according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • a switching device usually can be in two states: a conductive state and a non-conductive state.
  • a conductive state When the switching device is in conductive state, a current is allowed to pass through.
  • a non-conductive state When the switching device is in non-conductive state, no current is allowed to pass through.
  • GFCI ground fault circuit interrupter
  • SCR Silicon Controlled Rectifier
  • this invention in one aspect, relates to a GFCI with a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism.
  • the pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism has:
  • the body 19 is in a round shape with a top surface 191 , an opposite, bottom surface 192 , and a central separator 193 .
  • a cylindrical opening in the center of the body 19 goes from the top surface 191 through the bottom surface 192 .
  • the ferrite core 15 and the plunger 14 are positioned, normally having a gap between the ferrite core 15 and the plunger 14 .
  • the ferrite core 15 has a concave top surface, and convex bottom surface, positioned inside of the cylindrical opening at the bottom of the body 19 .
  • the plunger 14 has a corresponding convex shape matching the concave top surface of the ferrite core 15 , and the plunger 14 is positioned above the ferrite core 15 in the cylindrical opening of the body 19 .
  • the plunger 14 With the action of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 13 and the trip/reset coil 16 , the plunger 14 can be moved up and down. With the position limiting plunger block 12 , and the ferrite core 15 , the plunger 14 can be placed in two positions: (1) a first (trip) position where the plunger 14 moves down and the convex shape of the plunger 14 is in contact with the corresponding the concave top surface of the ferrite core 15 at the magnetic force generated by a series of pulses in a first polarity pass through the trip/reset coil 16 , (2) a second (reset) position where the plunger 14 moves up at the resilient force of the reset spring 10 pushing the plunger block 12 and plunger 14 up and the magnetic force generated by a series of pulses in a second (opposite of the first polarity) pass through the trip/reset coil 16 , such that the convex shape of the plunger 14 is away from the corresponding the concave top surface of the ferrite core 15 .
  • the ferrite surrounding 11 surrounds the outer perimeter of the body 19 to magnetically coupled with the ferrite core 15 and the plunger 14 to form a complete magnetic field loop.
  • the ferrite surrounding 11 is formed of a single ferrite plate.
  • the body 19 , the ferrite core 15 and the plunger 14 positioned in the cylindrical opening of the body, and the reset spring 10 are received in the ferrite surrounding 11 .
  • the top surface 141 of the plunger 14 is away from a top end portion 111 of the ferrite surrounding 11 , as shown in FIG. 5
  • the plunger 14 is in its second position (reset position)
  • the top surface 141 of the plunger 14 is in contact with the top end portion 111 of the ferrite surrounding 11 , as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 .
  • the trip/reset coil 16 is wound outside of the lower portion of the body 19 between the central separator 193 of the body 19 and the bottom surface 192 of the body 19 in such a way that when the series of pulses in the first polarity pass through the trip/reset coil 16 , the magnetic force of the trip/reset coil 16 pulls the plunger 14 downward to its first (trip) position, and when the series of pulses in the second polarity pass through the trip/reset coil 16 , the magnetic force of the trip/reset coil 16 pushes the plunger 14 upward to its second (reset) position.
  • the permanent magnet 13 is positioned around the upper portion of the body 19 between the center separator 193 and the top surface 191 of the body 19 .
  • the north pole of the permanent magnet 13 is pointing towards the center of the body 19 and the south pole of the permanent magnet 13 is pointing outward away from the center opening of the body 19 .
  • the first fixed contact holder 17 has a first fixed contact point 171 ; and the first movable contact holder 18 has a first movable contact point 181 .
  • the pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism has another set of fixed and movable contact holders: a second fixed contact holder 27 and a second movable contact holder 28 (not shown in the drawing).
  • the second fixed contact holder 27 has a second fixed contact point 271 ; and the second movable contact holder 28 has a first movable contact point 281 .
  • the first movable contact holder 18 and the second movable contact holder 28 are attached to the plunger 14 and both the first movable contact holder 18 and the second movable contact holder 28 move up and down with the plunger 14 .
  • one of the movable contacts 18 and 28 is used by the hot wire, and the other one is for the neutral wire.
  • the plunger 14 When the plunger 14 is in its first (trip) position, the first movable contact point 181 is not in contact with the first fixed contact point 171 , and the second movable contact point 281 is not in contact with the first fixed contact point 271 .
  • the plunger 14 When the plunger 14 is in its second (reset) position, the first movable contact point 181 is in contact with the first fixed contact point 171 , and the second movable contact point 281 is in contact with the first fixed contact point 271 .
  • a detailed electronic circuit of a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism is depicted in the circuit diagram shown in FIG. 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the electronic circuit for a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism of a ground fault circuit interrupter has:
  • a silicon controlled rectifier SCR having an anode, a cathode and a gate.
  • the circuit is configured as following:
  • the ground fault detection circuit When the ground fault detection circuit provides a positive control signal when a ground fault is detected, the SCR becomes conductive and a series of pulses in a first polarity pass through the first input of the alternate current I 1 , the diode D, the resistor R, from the second terminal to the first terminal of the trip/reset coil J, the SCR and the second input of the alternate current I 2 to cause the trip/reset coil J to move a plunger 14 to a first (trip) position.
  • both hot input wire and neutral input wire are cut off from an electrical source.
  • a detailed electronic circuit of a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism is depicted in the circuit diagram shown in FIG. 4 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the electronic circuit for a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism of a ground fault circuit interrupter has:
  • a silicon controlled rectifier SCR having an anode, a cathode and a gate.
  • the circuit is configured as following:
  • the ground fault detection circuit When the ground fault detection circuit provides a positive control signal when a ground fault is detected, the SCR becomes conductive and a series of pulses in a first polarity pass through the first input of the alternate current I 1 from the first terminal to the second terminal of the trip/reset coil J, the second diode D 2 , the SCR and the second input of the alternate current I 2 to cause the trip/reset coil J to move a plunger 14 to a first (trip) position.
  • both hot input wire and neutral input wire are cut off from an electrical source.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Breakers (AREA)

Abstract

A pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism for a ground fault circuit interrupter, comprising: (i) a body, (ii) a ferrite core, (iii) a plunger, (iv) a ferrite surrounding, (v) a permanent magnet, (vi) a trip/reset coil, (vii) a reset spring positioned between a plunger block and the body, (viii) a first fixed contact holder having a first fixed contact point, and (ix) a first movable contact holder having a first movable contact point, wherein the first movable contact holder is attached to the body of the plunger such that when the plunger is in its first position (trip position), the first movable contact point is not in contact with the first fixed contact point, and when the plunger is in its second position (reset position), the first movable contact point is in contact with the first fixed contact point.

Description

FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a ground fault circuit interrupter (hereinafter after GFCI). More particularly, the present invention relates to a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism for the ground fault circuit interrupter.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
As the awareness of product safety and demands for higher performance and safer appliances, electrical/electronic products, manufacturer of various appliances, power suppliers, power connectors, and wall outlets are looking for new ways to improve the safety of these products. Products such as surge protectors, leakage current detection interrupters (herein after “LCDI”), and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) are widely used. These products protect against current-surge protection, voltage-surge protection, leakage current protection and ground fault protection. However, the current structure of a GFCI includes at least one trip circuit and one reset circuit, each of these circuits has its own circuit, components, and trip or reset coil. In order to further reduce the cost, the number of components, to reduce the size, and to reduce the cost for assembling the GFCI, it is desirable to simplify the circuit and use only one set circuit to accomplish the tasks of both trip circuit and reset circuit.
Therefore, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the art to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
In one aspect, the present invention relates to a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism for a ground fault circuit interrupter. In one embodiment, the pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism has: (i) a body having a top surface, an opposite, bottom surface, a cylindrical opening at the center, (ii) a ferrite core having a concave top surface, and convex bottom surface, (iii) a plunger having a corresponding convex shape matching the concave top surface of the ferrite core, (iv) a ferrite surrounding magnetically coupled with the ferrite core and the plunger to form a complete magnetic field loop, (v) a permanent magnet positioned under the top surface of the body, around and outside of the cylindrical opening of the body, (vi) a trip/reset coil positioned at the bottom portion of the body and around the cylindrical opening of the body, (vii) a reset spring positioned between a plunger block and the top surface of the body to keep the plunger in its reset position, (viii) a first fixed contact holder having a first fixed contact point; and (ix) a first movable contact holder having a first movable contact point.
In one embodiment, the ferrite core is positioned inside of the cylindrical opening at the bottom of the body. In one embodiment, the plunger is positioned above the ferrite core in the cylindrical opening of the body. The plunger can be moved to two positions in reaction to magnetic field surrounding the plunger: (1) a first position (trip position) where the plunger is in close contact with the ferrite core, and (2) a second position (reset position) where the plunger is away from the ferrite core.
In one embodiment, when a series of pulses in a first polarity pass through the trip/reset coil, the magnetic field generated by the trip/reset coil drives the plunger to the first position, and when a series of pulses in a second polarity that is opposite to the first polarity pass through the trip/reset coil, the magnetic field generated by the trip/reset coil drives the plunger to the second position.
In one embodiment, the first movable contact holder is attached to the body of the plunger such that when the plunger is in its first position (trip position), the first movable contact point is not in contact with the first fixed contact point, and when the plunger is in its second position (reset position), the first movable contact point is in contact with the first fixed contact point.
In one embodiment, the pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism also has: (i) a second fixed contact holder having a second fixed contact point; and (ii) a second movable contact holder having a second movable contact point. The second movable contact holder is also attached to the body of the plunger such that when the plunger is in its first position (trip position), the second movable contact point is not in contact with the second fixed contact point, and when the plunger is in its second position (reset position), the second movable contact point is in contact with the second fixed contact point.
In one embodiment, the first polarity of the series pulses is positive, and the second polarity of the series pulses is negative.
In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a ground fault circuit interrupter with the pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism.
In another aspect, the present invention relates to an electronic circuit for a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism of a ground fault circuit interrupter. In one embodiment, the electronic circuit for a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism has:
(i) a first input of an alternate current;
(ii) a second input of the alternate current;
(iii) a diode having an anode and a cathode;
(iv) a reset switch having a first terminal and a second terminal;
(v) a resistor having a first terminal and a second terminal,
(vi) a trip/reset coil having a first terminal and a second terminal;
(vii) a capacitor having a positive terminal and a negative terminal; and
(viii) a silicon controlled rectifier having an anode, a cathode and a gate.
In one embodiment, the anode of the first diode is electrically coupled to the first input of the alternate current. The cathode of the first diode is electrically coupled to the first terminal of the reset switch and the first terminal of the resistor. The first terminal of the trip/reset coil is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the reset switch and the anode of the silicon controlled rectifier, and the second terminal of the trip/reset coil is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the resistor and the positive terminal of the capacitor. The positive terminal of the capacitor is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the resistor and the second terminal of the trip/reset coil, and the negative terminal of the capacitor is electrically coupled to the second input of the alternate current. The anode of the silicon controlled rectifier is electrically coupled to the first terminal of the trip/reset coil and the second terminal of the reset switch, the cathode of the silicon controlled rectifier is electrically coupled to the second input of the alternate current and the negative terminal of the capacitor, and the gate of the silicon controlled rectifier is electrically coupled to a control signal from a ground fault detection circuit.
When the ground fault detection circuit provides a positive control signal if a ground fault is detected, the silicon controlled rectifier becomes conductive and a series of pulses in a first polarity pass through the first input of the alternate current, the diode, the resistor, from the second terminal to the first terminal of the trip/reset coil, the silicon controlled rectifier and the second input of the alternate current to cause the trip/reset coil to be in trip position. When the trip/reset coil is in trip position and the reset switch is pressed, a series pulses in a second (opposite to the first) polarity pass through the trip/reset coil in an opposite direction, from the first terminal to the second terminal of the trip/reset coil, to cause the trip/reset coil to be in reset position.
In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a ground fault circuit interrupter with the electronic circuit for a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism.
In yet another aspect the present invention relates to an electronic circuit for a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism of a ground fault circuit interrupter. The electronic circuit for a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism has:
(i) a first input of an alternate current;
(ii) a second input of the alternate current;
(iii) a first diode having an anode and a cathode;
(iv) a reset switch having a first terminal and a second terminal;
(v) a trip/reset coil having a first terminal and a second terminal;
(vi) a second diode having an anode and a cathode; and
(vii) a silicon controlled rectifier having an anode, a cathode and a gate.
In one embodiment, the anode of the first diode is electrically coupled to the second input of the alternate current, and the cathode of the first diode is electrically coupled to the first terminal of the reset switch. The first terminal of the reset switch is electrically coupled to the cathode of the first diode, and the second terminal of the reset switch is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the trip/reset coil and the anode of the second diode. The first terminal of the trip/reset coil is electrically coupled to the first input of the alternate current, and the second terminal of the trip/reset coil is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the reset switch and the anode of the second diode. The anode of the second diode is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the reset switch and the second terminal of the trip/reset coil, and the cathode of the second diode is electrically coupled to the anode of the silicon controlled rectifier. The anode of the silicon controlled rectifier is electrically coupled to the cathode of the second diode, the cathode of the silicon controlled rectifier is electrically coupled to the second input of the alternate current and the anode of the first diode, and the gate of the silicon controlled rectifier is electrically coupled to a control signal from a ground fault detection circuit.
When the ground fault detection circuit provides a positive control signal if a ground fault is detected, the silicon controlled rectifier becomes conductive and a series of pulses in a first polarity pass through the first input of the alternate current, from the first terminal to the second terminal of the trip/reset coil, the second diode, the silicon controlled rectifier and the second input of the alternate current to cause the trip/reset coil to be in trip position. When the trip/reset coil is in trip position and the reset switch is pressed, a series pulses in a second (opposite to the first) polarity pass through the trip/reset coil in an opposite direction, from the second terminal to the first terminal of the trip/reset coil, to cause the trip/reset coil to be in reset position.
In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a ground fault circuit interrupter with the electronic circuit for a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism.
These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the following drawings, although variations and modifications therein may be affected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further features and benefits of the present invention will be apparent from a detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein similar elements are referred to with similar reference numbers, and wherein:
FIG. 1 shows an exemplary sectional view of a GFCI with a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism showing a movable contact point is contacting a corresponding fixed contact point according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 shows a partial exploded view of more detailed key components of a GFCI with a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism while the movable contact point is not contacting the fixed contact point according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is an exemplary circuit diagram of a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is another exemplary circuit diagram of a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 illustrate cross-sectional views of exemplary pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism showing a movable contact point is not contacting a corresponding fixed contact point according to one embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 6 illustrate cross-sectional views of exemplary pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism showing a movable contact point is contacting a fixed contact point according to one embodiment of the present invention.
 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
Prior to a detailed description of the present invention(s), the following definitions are provided as an aid to understanding the subject matter and terminology of aspects of the present invention(s), and not necessarily limiting of the present invention(s), which are expressed in the claims. Whether or not a term is capitalized is not considered definitive or limiting of the meaning of a term. As used in this document, a capitalized term shall have the same meaning as an uncapitalized term, unless the context of the usage specifically indicates that a more restrictive meaning for the capitalized term is intended. A capitalized term within the glossary usually indicates that the capitalized term has a separate definition within the glossary. However, the capitalization or lack thereof within the remainder of this document is not intended to be necessarily limiting unless the context clearly indicates that such limitation is intended. The terms “unit” and “circuit” are interchangeable.
A switching device usually can be in two states: a conductive state and a non-conductive state. When the switching device is in conductive state, a current is allowed to pass through. When the switching device is in non-conductive state, no current is allowed to pass through.
DEFINITIONS/GLOSSARY
AC: alternate current
GFCI: ground fault circuit interrupter.
SCR: Silicon Controlled Rectifier.
System Overview
The description will be made as to the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the reference to the accompanying drawings in FIGS. 1-6. In accordance with the purposes of this invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, this invention, in one aspect, relates to a GFCI with a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism.
Mechanical Structure of a Pulse Activated Magnetic Trip/Reset Mechanism
Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6, the mechanical structure of a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism for a ground fault circuit interrupter is shown according one embodiment of the present invention. The pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism has:
(i) a body 19;
(ii) a ferrite core 15;
(iii) a plunger 14;
(iv) a ferrite surrounding 11;
(v) a permanent magnet 13;
(vi) a trip/reset coil 16;
(vii) a reset spring 10;
(viii) a plunger block 12;
(ix) a first fixed contact holder 17; and
(x) a first movable contact holder 18.
In one embodiment, the body 19 is in a round shape with a top surface 191, an opposite, bottom surface 192, and a central separator 193. A cylindrical opening in the center of the body 19 goes from the top surface 191 through the bottom surface 192. Inside the cylindrical opening of the body 19, the ferrite core 15 and the plunger 14 are positioned, normally having a gap between the ferrite core 15 and the plunger 14. The ferrite core 15 has a concave top surface, and convex bottom surface, positioned inside of the cylindrical opening at the bottom of the body 19. The plunger 14 has a corresponding convex shape matching the concave top surface of the ferrite core 15, and the plunger 14 is positioned above the ferrite core 15 in the cylindrical opening of the body 19.
With the action of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 13 and the trip/reset coil 16, the plunger 14 can be moved up and down. With the position limiting plunger block 12, and the ferrite core 15, the plunger 14 can be placed in two positions: (1) a first (trip) position where the plunger 14 moves down and the convex shape of the plunger 14 is in contact with the corresponding the concave top surface of the ferrite core 15 at the magnetic force generated by a series of pulses in a first polarity pass through the trip/reset coil 16, (2) a second (reset) position where the plunger 14 moves up at the resilient force of the reset spring 10 pushing the plunger block 12 and plunger 14 up and the magnetic force generated by a series of pulses in a second (opposite of the first polarity) pass through the trip/reset coil 16, such that the convex shape of the plunger 14 is away from the corresponding the concave top surface of the ferrite core 15.
The ferrite surrounding 11 surrounds the outer perimeter of the body 19 to magnetically coupled with the ferrite core 15 and the plunger 14 to form a complete magnetic field loop. As shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, the ferrite surrounding 11 is formed of a single ferrite plate. The body 19, the ferrite core 15 and the plunger 14 positioned in the cylindrical opening of the body, and the reset spring 10 are received in the ferrite surrounding 11. As such, when the plunger 14 is in its first position (trip position), the top surface 141 of the plunger 14 is away from a top end portion 111 of the ferrite surrounding 11, as shown in FIG. 5, and when the plunger 14 is in its second position (reset position), the top surface 141 of the plunger 14 is in contact with the top end portion 111 of the ferrite surrounding 11, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6.
The trip/reset coil 16 is wound outside of the lower portion of the body 19 between the central separator 193 of the body 19 and the bottom surface 192 of the body 19 in such a way that when the series of pulses in the first polarity pass through the trip/reset coil 16, the magnetic force of the trip/reset coil 16 pulls the plunger 14 downward to its first (trip) position, and when the series of pulses in the second polarity pass through the trip/reset coil 16, the magnetic force of the trip/reset coil 16 pushes the plunger 14 upward to its second (reset) position.
The permanent magnet 13 is positioned around the upper portion of the body 19 between the center separator 193 and the top surface 191 of the body 19. The north pole of the permanent magnet 13 is pointing towards the center of the body 19 and the south pole of the permanent magnet 13 is pointing outward away from the center opening of the body 19.
Referring FIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment, the first fixed contact holder 17 has a first fixed contact point 171; and the first movable contact holder 18 has a first movable contact point 181. In one embodiment, the pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism has another set of fixed and movable contact holders: a second fixed contact holder 27 and a second movable contact holder 28 (not shown in the drawing). The second fixed contact holder 27 has a second fixed contact point 271; and the second movable contact holder 28 has a first movable contact point 281. The first movable contact holder 18 and the second movable contact holder 28 are attached to the plunger 14 and both the first movable contact holder 18 and the second movable contact holder 28 move up and down with the plunger 14. In one embodiment, one of the movable contacts 18 and 28 is used by the hot wire, and the other one is for the neutral wire.
When the plunger 14 is in its first (trip) position, the first movable contact point 181 is not in contact with the first fixed contact point 171, and the second movable contact point 281 is not in contact with the first fixed contact point 271. When the plunger 14 is in its second (reset) position, the first movable contact point 181 is in contact with the first fixed contact point 171, and the second movable contact point 281 is in contact with the first fixed contact point 271.
Electronic Structure of a Pulse Activated Magnetic Trip/Reset Mechanism
In one embodiment, a detailed electronic circuit of a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism is depicted in the circuit diagram shown in FIG. 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The electronic circuit for a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism of a ground fault circuit interrupter has:
(i) a first input of an alternate current I1;
(ii) a second input of the alternate current I2;
(iii) a diode D having an anode and a cathode;
(iv) a reset switch RE having a first terminal and a second terminal;
(v) a resistor R having a first terminal and a second terminal;
(vi) a trip/reset coil J having a first terminal and a second terminal;
(vii) a capacitor C having a positive terminal and a negative terminal; and
(viii) a silicon controlled rectifier SCR having an anode, a cathode and a gate.
The circuit is configured as following:
    • The anode of the diode D is electrically coupled to the first input of the alternate current I1, and the cathode of the diode D is electrically coupled to the first terminal of the reset switch RE and the first terminal of the resistor R;
    • The first terminal of the resistor R is electrically coupled to the first terminal of the reset switch RE and the cathode of the diode D, and the second terminal of the resistor R is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the trip/reset coil J and the positive terminal of the capacitor C;
    • The first terminal of the reset switch RE is electrically coupled to the cathode of the diode D and the first terminal of the resistor R, and the second terminal of the reset switch RE is electrically coupled to the first terminal of the trip/reset coil J and the cathode of the SCR;
    • The first terminal of the trip/reset coil J is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the reset switch RE and the cathode of the SCR, and the second terminal of the trip/reset coil J is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the resistor R and the positive terminal of the capacitor C;
    • The positive terminal of the capacitor C is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the resistor R and the second terminal of the trip/reset coil J, and the negative terminal of the capacitor C is electrically coupled to the second input of the alternate current I2, and the cathode of the SCR;
    • The anode of the SCR is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the reset switch RE and the first terminal of the trip/reset coil J, the cathode of the SCR is electrically coupled to the negative terminal of the capacitor C and the second input of the alternate current I2, and the gate of the SCR is electrically coupled to a control signal from a ground fault detection circuit.
When the ground fault detection circuit provides a positive control signal when a ground fault is detected, the SCR becomes conductive and a series of pulses in a first polarity pass through the first input of the alternate current I1, the diode D, the resistor R, from the second terminal to the first terminal of the trip/reset coil J, the SCR and the second input of the alternate current I2 to cause the trip/reset coil J to move a plunger 14 to a first (trip) position. When the ground fault circuit interrupter is in trip position, both hot input wire and neutral input wire are cut off from an electrical source.
On the other hand, when the ground fault circuit interrupter is in trip condition and the reset switch RE is pressed, a series pulses in a second polarity (opposite to the first polarity) pass through the trip/reset coil J in an opposite direction from the first terminal to the second terminal of the trip/reset coil J, to cause the trip/reset coil J to move the plunger 14 to a second (reset) position. When the ground fault circuit interrupter is in reset position, both hot input wire and neutral input wire are connected to the electrical source and the ground fault circuit interrupter is in normal operating condition.
In one embodiment, a detailed electronic circuit of a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism is depicted in the circuit diagram shown in FIG. 4 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The electronic circuit for a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism of a ground fault circuit interrupter has:
(i) a first input of an alternate current I1;
(ii) a second input of the alternate current I2;
(iii) a first diode D1 having an anode and a cathode;
(iv) a reset switch RE having a first terminal and a second terminal;
(v) a second diode D2 having an anode and a cathode;
(vi) a trip/reset coil J having a first terminal and a second terminal; and
(vii) a silicon controlled rectifier SCR having an anode, a cathode and a gate.
The circuit is configured as following:
    • The anode of the first diode D1 is electrically coupled to the second input of the alternate current I2, and the cathode of first diode D1 is electrically coupled to the first terminal of the reset switch RE;
    • The first terminal of the reset switch RE is electrically coupled to the cathode of first diode D1, and the second terminal of the reset switch RE is electrically coupled to the anode of the second diode D2 and the second terminal of the trip/reset coil J;
    • The first terminal of the trip/reset coil J is electrically coupled to the first input of an alternate current I1, and the second terminal of the trip/reset coil J is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the reset switch RE and the anode of the second diode D2;
    • The anode of the second diode D2 is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the reset switch RE and the second terminal of the trip/reset coil J, and the cathode of second diode D2 is electrically coupled to the anode of the SCR;
    • The anode of the SCR is electrically coupled to the cathode of cathode of second diode D2, the cathode of the SCR is electrically coupled to the second input of the alternate current I2 and the anode of the first diode D1, and the gate of the SCR is electrically coupled to a control signal from a ground fault detection circuit.
When the ground fault detection circuit provides a positive control signal when a ground fault is detected, the SCR becomes conductive and a series of pulses in a first polarity pass through the first input of the alternate current I1 from the first terminal to the second terminal of the trip/reset coil J, the second diode D2, the SCR and the second input of the alternate current I2 to cause the trip/reset coil J to move a plunger 14 to a first (trip) position. When the ground fault circuit interrupter is in trip position, both hot input wire and neutral input wire are cut off from an electrical source.
On the other hand, when the ground fault circuit interrupter is in trip condition and the reset switch RE is pressed, a series pulses in a second polarity (opposite to the first polarity) pass through the trip/reset coil J in an opposite direction from the second terminal of the trip/reset coil J to the first terminal of the trip/reset coil J, to cause the trip/reset coil J to move the plunger 14 to a second (reset) position. When the ground fault circuit interrupter is in reset position, both hot input wire and neutral input wire are connected to the electrical source and the ground fault circuit interrupter is in normal operating condition.
While there has been shown several and alternate embodiments of the present invention, it is to be understood that certain changes can be made as would be known to one skilled in the art without departing from the underlying scope of the present invention as is discussed and set forth above and below including claims. Furthermore, the embodiments described above and claims set forth below are only intended to illustrate the principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the disclosed elements.

Claims (10)

1. A pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism for a ground fault circuit interrupter, comprising:
(i) a body having a top surface, an opposite, bottom surface, a cylindrical opening at the center;
(ii) a ferrite core having a concave top surface, and a convex bottom surface, positioned inside of the cylindrical opening at the bottom of the body;
(iii) a plunger having a top surface, a bottom surface and a body portion defined therebetween, the bottom surface having a corresponding convex shape matching the concave top surface of the ferrite core, wherein the plunger is positioned above the ferrite core in the cylindrical opening of the body, and is movable in two positions in reaction to a magnetic field surrounding the plunger: (1) a first position (trip position) where the plunger is in close contact with the ferrite core, and (2) a second position (reset position) where the plunger is away from the ferrite core;
(iv) a ferrite surrounding formed of a single ferrite plate and adapted to surround an outer perimeter of the body to magnetically couple with the ferrite core and the plunger to form a complete magnetic field loop, wherein the body, and the ferrite core and the plunger positioned in the cylindrical opening of the body are received in the ferrite surrounding such that when the plunger is in its first position (trip position), the top surface of the plunger is away from a top end portion of the ferrite surrounding, and when the plunger is in its second position (reset position), the top surface of the plunger is in contact with the top end portion of the ferrite surrounding;
(v) a permanent magnet positioned under the top surface of the body, around and outside of the cylindrical opening of the body;
(vi) a trip/reset coil positioned at the bottom portion of the body and around the cylindrical opening of the body, wherein when a series of pulses in a first polarity pass through the trip/reset coil, the magnetic field generated by the trip/reset coil drives the plunger to the first position, and when a series of pulses in a second polarity that is opposite to the first polarity pass through the trip/reset coil, the magnetic field generated by the trip/reset coil drives the plunger to the second position;
(vii) a reset spring received in the ferrite surrounding and positioned between a plunger block and the top surface of the body to keep the plunger in its reset position;
(viii) a first fixed contact holder having a first fixed contact point; and
(ix) a first movable contact holder having a first movable contact point, wherein the first movable contact holder is attached to the body portion of the plunger such that when the plunger is in its first position (trip position), the first movable contact point is not in contact with the first fixed contact point, and when the plunger is in its second position (reset position), the first movable contact point is in contact with the first fixed contact point.
2. The pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism of claim 1, further comprising:
(i) a second fixed contact holder having a second fixed contact point; and
(ii) a second movable contact holder having a second movable contact point, wherein the second movable contact holder is attached to the body of the plunger such that when the plunger is in its first position (trip position), the second movable contact point is not in contact with the second fixed contact point, and when the plunger is in its second position (reset position), the second movable contact point is in contact with the second fixed contact point.
3. The pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism of claim 2, wherein the first polarity is positive, and the second polarity is negative.
4. A ground fault circuit interrupter containing the pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism of claim 3.
5. An electronic circuit for a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism of a ground fault circuit interrupter comprising:
(i) a first input of an alternate current;
(ii) a second input of the alternate current;
(iii) a diode having an anode and a cathode, wherein the anode is electrically coupled to the first input of the alternate current;
(iv) a reset switch having a first terminal and a second terminal;
(v) a resistor having a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the first terminal is electrically coupled to the first terminal of the reset switch and the cathode of the diode;
(vi) a trip/reset coil having a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the first terminal of the trip/reset coil is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the reset switch and the second terminal of the trip/reset coil is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the resistor;
(vii) a capacitor having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, wherein the positive terminal of the capacitor is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the resistor and the second terminal of the trip/reset coil, and the negative terminal of the capacitor is electrically coupled to the second input of the alternate current; and
(viii) a silicon controlled rectifier having an anode, a cathode and a gate, wherein the anode of the silicon controlled rectifier is electrically coupled to the first terminal of the trip/reset coil and the second terminal of the reset switch, the cathode of the silicon controlled rectifier is electrically coupled to the second input of the alternate current and the negative terminal of the capacitor, and the gate of the silicon controlled rectifier is electrically coupled to a control signal from a ground fault detection circuit,
when the ground fault detection circuit provides a positive control signal if a ground fault is detected, the silicon controlled rectifier becomes conductive and a series of pulses in a first polarity pass through the first input of the alternate current, the diode, the resistor, from the second terminal to the first terminal of the trip/reset coil, the silicon controlled rectifier and the second input of the alternate current to cause the trip/reset coil to be in trip position; and when trip/reset coil is in trip position and the reset switch is pressed, a series pulses in a second (opposite to the first) polarity pass through the trip/reset coil in an opposite direction, from the first terminal to the second terminal of the trip/reset coil, to cause the trip/reset coil to be in reset position.
6. A ground fault circuit interrupter containing the electronic circuit for a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism of claim 5.
7. An electronic circuit for a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism of a ground fault circuit interrupter comprising:
(i) a first input of an alternate current;
(ii) a second input of the alternate current;
(iii) a first diode having an anode and a cathode, wherein the anode is electrically coupled to the second input of the alternate current;
(iv) a reset switch having a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the first terminal of the reset switch is electrically coupled to the cathode of the first diode;
(v) a trip/reset coil having a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the first terminal of the trip/reset coil is electrically coupled to the first terminal of the first input of the alternate current, and the second terminal of the trip/reset coil is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the reset switch;
(vi) a second diode having an anode and a cathode, wherein the anode of the second diode is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the reset switch and the second terminal of the trip/reset coil;
(vii) a silicon controlled rectifier having an anode, a cathode and a gate, wherein the anode of the silicon controlled rectifier is electrically coupled to the cathode of the second diode, the cathode of the silicon controlled rectifier is electrically coupled to the second input of the alternate current, and the gate of the silicon controlled rectifier is electrically coupled to a control signal from a ground fault detection circuit,
when the ground fault detection circuit provides a positive control signal when a ground fault is detected, the silicon controlled rectifier becomes conductive and a series of pulses in a first polarity pass through the first input of the alternate current, from the first terminal to the second terminal of the trip/reset coil, the second diode, the silicon controlled rectifier and the second input of the alternate current to cause the trip/reset coil to be in trip position; and when the trip/reset coil is in trip position and the reset switch is pressed, a series pulses in a second (opposite to the first) polarity pass through the trip/reset coil in an opposite direction, from the second terminal to the first terminal of the trip/reset coil, to cause the trip/reset coil to be in reset position.
8. A ground fault circuit interrupter containing the electronic circuit for a pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism of claim 7.
9. The pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism of claim 1, wherein the body further has a central separator formed between the top surface and the bottom surface, wherein the trip/reset coil is wound outside a lower portion of the body between the central separator and the bottom surface of the body in such a way that when the series of pulses in the first polarity pass through the trip/reset coil, the magnetic force of the trip/reset coil pulls the plunger downward to its first position, and when the series of pulses in the second polarity pass through the trip/reset coil, the magnetic force of the trip/reset coil pushes the plunger upward to its second position.
10. The pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism of claim 9, wherein the permanent magnet is positioned around an upper portion of the body between the center separator and the top surface of the body.
US12/685,132 2010-01-11 2010-01-11 Pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism for a ground fault circuit interrupter Active 2030-08-15 US8248192B2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/685,132 US8248192B2 (en) 2010-01-11 2010-01-11 Pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism for a ground fault circuit interrupter

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/685,132 US8248192B2 (en) 2010-01-11 2010-01-11 Pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism for a ground fault circuit interrupter

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20110169593A1 US20110169593A1 (en) 2011-07-14
US8248192B2 true US8248192B2 (en) 2012-08-21

Family

ID=44258104

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/685,132 Active 2030-08-15 US8248192B2 (en) 2010-01-11 2010-01-11 Pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism for a ground fault circuit interrupter

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US8248192B2 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120092098A1 (en) * 2010-10-15 2012-04-19 Lsis Co., Ltd. Electromagnetic switching apparatus
US12340963B2 (en) * 2022-09-29 2025-06-24 Chengli Li Trip and reset mechanism for leakage current detection and interruption device

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8178813B2 (en) * 2010-02-02 2012-05-15 Beijing Orient Vacuum Electric Co., Ltd. Vacuum switch tube
US8222978B2 (en) * 2010-09-07 2012-07-17 Yfc-Boneagle Electric Co., Ltd. Incorrect-circuit deactivation device of magnetic GFCI outlet
US9054530B2 (en) * 2013-04-25 2015-06-09 General Atomics Pulsed interrupter and method of operation

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3091725A (en) * 1958-08-28 1963-05-28 American Radiator & Standard Electro-magnetic device
US3718875A (en) * 1971-07-02 1973-02-27 Ite Imperial Corp Current limiting circuit breaker with magnetic latch
US4675776A (en) * 1984-11-23 1987-06-23 General Electric Company Bistable undervoltage release circuit for circuit breakers
US4709293A (en) * 1983-12-05 1987-11-24 Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc. Shock hazard protection system
US5105326A (en) * 1991-05-31 1992-04-14 Westinghouse Electric Corp. Circuit for controlling the orientation of a magnetic field
US5724014A (en) * 1996-04-04 1998-03-03 The Narda Microwave Corporation Latching RF switch device
US20040070897A1 (en) * 2002-10-09 2004-04-15 Zhixin Wu Ground fault circuit interrupter with reverse wiring protection
DE102007049448A1 (en) * 2007-10-16 2009-04-23 Kuhnke Automotive Gmbh & Co. Kg Motor vehicle battery circuit breaker, has contact connected with armature, and electromagnet including two switching positions for armature that is maintained in respective positions by coil spring and permanent magnet
US7525402B2 (en) * 2006-04-03 2009-04-28 Wenzhou Trimone Science And Technology Electric Co., Ltd. Circuit interruption device with indicator having function of auto-monitoring and multi-protecting circuit

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3091725A (en) * 1958-08-28 1963-05-28 American Radiator & Standard Electro-magnetic device
US3718875A (en) * 1971-07-02 1973-02-27 Ite Imperial Corp Current limiting circuit breaker with magnetic latch
US4709293A (en) * 1983-12-05 1987-11-24 Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc. Shock hazard protection system
US4675776A (en) * 1984-11-23 1987-06-23 General Electric Company Bistable undervoltage release circuit for circuit breakers
US5105326A (en) * 1991-05-31 1992-04-14 Westinghouse Electric Corp. Circuit for controlling the orientation of a magnetic field
US5724014A (en) * 1996-04-04 1998-03-03 The Narda Microwave Corporation Latching RF switch device
US20040070897A1 (en) * 2002-10-09 2004-04-15 Zhixin Wu Ground fault circuit interrupter with reverse wiring protection
US7525402B2 (en) * 2006-04-03 2009-04-28 Wenzhou Trimone Science And Technology Electric Co., Ltd. Circuit interruption device with indicator having function of auto-monitoring and multi-protecting circuit
DE102007049448A1 (en) * 2007-10-16 2009-04-23 Kuhnke Automotive Gmbh & Co. Kg Motor vehicle battery circuit breaker, has contact connected with armature, and electromagnet including two switching positions for armature that is maintained in respective positions by coil spring and permanent magnet

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120092098A1 (en) * 2010-10-15 2012-04-19 Lsis Co., Ltd. Electromagnetic switching apparatus
US8766750B2 (en) * 2010-10-15 2014-07-01 Lsis Co., Ltd. Electromagnetic switching apparatus
US12340963B2 (en) * 2022-09-29 2025-06-24 Chengli Li Trip and reset mechanism for leakage current detection and interruption device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20110169593A1 (en) 2011-07-14

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7271987B1 (en) Grounding fault circuit interrupter
US9728951B2 (en) Leakage protection socket with reverse connection protection
CA2790731C (en) Retainer, vacuum interrupter, and electrical switching apparatus including the same
US20040070474A1 (en) Ground fault circuit interrupter with reverse wiring protection
US9208978B2 (en) Electromagnetic operating device
US8248192B2 (en) Pulse activated magnetic trip/reset mechanism for a ground fault circuit interrupter
US20040201438A1 (en) Ground fault circuit interrupter against reverse connection error
JP2011155005A (en) Electromagnetic switch
US20110273803A1 (en) Leakage detection protective circuit
CN102714109B (en) Magnetic actuation units for circuit breaker installations
JP2015028867A (en) Switch
EP2485229B1 (en) Flexible shunt for vacuum circuit breaker
EP2779191B1 (en) Trip actuator for switch of electric power circuit
CN102231462B (en) Leakage protection plug
CN103887121B (en) Circuit breakers pole part with the flexible conductor for connecting movable electrical contacts
EP1050059B1 (en) Instantaneous trip power transformer
EP2571039B1 (en) Vacuum interrupter
CN102054635A (en) Leakage breaker
CN212676128U (en) Maintenance electrician short circuit device
JP6261018B2 (en) Circuit breaker
CN114171349A (en) A-type electromagnetic leakage circuit breaker
CN205140908U (en) Circuit breaker and remote control miniature circuit breaker
KR101491488B1 (en) High-speed closing switch
JP7133986B2 (en) circuit breaker
CN202025692U (en) Electronic creepage circuit breaker

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: GENERAL PROTECHT GROUP, INC., CHINA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:HU, JUHAI;ZHANG, YULIN;LIU, BIN;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:023759/0075

Effective date: 20100108

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE

AS Assignment

Owner name: CHEN, HENG, CHINA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GENERAL PROTECHT GROUP, INC.;REEL/FRAME:029344/0991

Effective date: 20121123

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PAT HOLDER CLAIMS SMALL ENTITY STATUS, ENTITY STATUS SET TO SMALL (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: LTOS); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

MAFP Maintenance fee payment

Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 8TH YR, SMALL ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M2552); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY

Year of fee payment: 8

MAFP Maintenance fee payment

Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 12TH YR, SMALL ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M2553); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY

Year of fee payment: 12